Mr. Hayford Dowuona-Hammond, Head of Operations at the Internal Audit Agency on behalf of the Director-General, Dr. Eric Oduro Osae inaugurated the Audit Committee of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on 22nd March, 2023.
Mr. Julius Kuunour Aalebkure, Chief Fire Officer in his opening remarks thanked the new members for accepting to serve on the Audit Committee of the GNFS and commended the past Committee for its enormous support. He assured the Chairman and members of the Committee of Management’s support in the fulfillment of its mandate,
Members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Ernest Wiafe (IAA Rep and Chairman), Dr. Grace Bediako (IAA Rep), Ellen Abena Addo (ICAG Rep), Mr.Kizito Ballans and Mr. Mark Brako-Appiah are representatives of the GNFS. Mr. Ahmed Addy Lamptey is the Secretary of the Committee.
Mr. Dowuona-Hammond in his address, congratulated the members and indicated that the Audit Committee is a high -level corporate governance Committee which contributes to the effectiveness of public accountability and appropriate use of public funds. Mr. Dowuona-Hammond added that the purpose of the Committee is to have oversight responsibility on financial reporting processes, audit processes, systems of Internal control and ensure compliance to laws and regulations.
The Head of Operations outlined the three main roles of the Committee as mandatory, advisory, and supporting. On the mandatory role, he informed members of their role in pursuing the implementation of recommendations in quarterly reports of the Internal and External Auditors, Management Letter of the Auditor-General and monitoring reports of GNFS. Other mandatory roles of the Committee mentioned were the submission of the Annual Audit Committee Report not later than June 30 of every year and the Annual Internal Audit Performance Report by December 31 every year.
On the advisory role, Mr. Dowuona-Hammond entreated members to bring their expertise to bear in ensuring compliance to laws and regulations and risk management practices. He tasked members to support Management to put in place a risk management policy if there was none.
Speaking on the supporting role of the Committee, the Head of Operations encouraged members to support the Internal Audit Unit in the delivery of its mandate. He tasked members to ensure the Unit is adequately equipped and its reporting, accurate and timely. He informed the Committee of the publication of the Defaulters List and its consequences on culpable institutions.
Mr. Dowuona-Hammond in his concluding remarks stated that the Audit Committee is very important in the governance of GNFS and as such, requires the support of Management in the delivery of its mandate.
